Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Talking shop with Matt Blatt’s Deborah Drexler

  • Written by Sarah Fleming


Deborah Drexler’s favourite part of being involved with the family’s retail business has always been discussing furniture and design with customers. Close to twenty years ago, Deborah left her job as a primary school teacher to lend a helping hand in the brand’s original warehouse, fielding phone queries and acting as a Jill-of-all-trades. Nowadays, she is heavily involved in the buying side of the business as well as brand image, and she holds a seat on the business’s Board.

 

The Matt Blatt business has grown and evolved dramatically over twenty years. Deb and husband Adam have moved from manufacturing office chairs to selling on eBay to importing replica furniture and now, to commissioning original designs. Deb’s face lights up as she recalls many spur-of-the-moment decisions and rolls of the dice…all of which have made the business the expanding national presence it is today. She almost seems a little stunned by the major player Matt Blatt has become.

 

Only recently we were at an overseas furniture show and I found myself barefoot atop an enormous stack of Turkish rugs, pulling out different designs to add to our 2018 textiles collection. There was a crowd of people below watching me and I looked up and there was a moment where I thought ‘how did I get here?’,” she recalls.

 

There were a couple of key turning points, like when we decided to move from manufacturing to importing and pretty much shut down our production plant overnight. It was a major gamble and we just didn’t know whether it would pay off. I was ready to go back to teaching, and Adam was prepared to drive a taxi if the move didn’t pay off. As it turned out, we’re still in the game.

 

I work closely with our lead buyer, and Adam and I travel overseas on buying trips to major furniture fairs in Asia, Europe and the US every year. A big part of my role is maintaining the integrity of the brand we’ve built. I’m very conscious of what Matt Blatt stands for, and ensuring everything we do – and buy – reflects that,” she explains.

 

I’d be lying if I said living with your own business is easy. It’s not, it’s tough. It’s a joy and a pleasure, it’s stimulating and challenging, but you never leave it behind. There are always phone calls, emails, staff and supplier issues to work through, but it’s never dull. Like with any family business I imagine (son Joel is the company’s General Manager and daughter Avril designs prints and rugs for the brand), there are times during a family get-together when we’ll find ourselves talking shop. We do, however, make a conscious effort on certain occasions to separate work and play and to take work talk off the table,” she says.

 

Both keen travellers, Adam and Deborah find that even on personal adventures they’re drawn to exploring the retail experience in other countries. “We often find fresh inspiration when we’re not looking for it, and since we’re both fascinated by the retail business and always on the lookout for eye-catching visual merchandising ideas, travelling is often a terrific opportunity to look at things with fresh eyes. It’s even better when we’re off exploring, and we’re reminded just how unique and entertaining the Matt Blatt in-showroom experience really is – even on a global stage.”

About Matt Blatt:

Matt Blatt is Australia’s go-to destination for discerning design fans. With 13 stores around Australia it has established itself as a leading retailer of innovative furniture and homewares. The brand is the brainchild of Adam and Deborah Drexler who founded Matt Blatt in 2002. Matt Blatt showrooms can be found across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Canberra. For further information please visit www.mattblatt.com.au

 

Business

How To Choose The Right Insulation For Your Space

Selecting the appropriate insulation for your home or building is a critical decision that affects comfort, energy efficiency, and present and future operational costs. With various materials and forms available, navigating...

The Value of Professional Rubbish Removal Services

From everyday waste to bulky items like furniture and appliances, finding the right way to dispose of rubbish is not always straightforward. This is why professional rubbish removal services have become...

Why Ugly Websites Sometimes Outperform Beautiful Ones

In the digital age, we're constantly told that first impressions matter, and nowhere does this seem more apparent than in web design. However, a curious phenomenon challenges this conventional wisdom:...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effectiveness, a surprising number of small businesses in Australia...

Eco-smart Car Removal in Sydney: Practical Steps That Cut Waste and Return Value

Sydney’s ageing cars add up to a serious waste stream, and choosing the right removal service makes a measurable difference. Your decision sends metal, glass, tyres, fluids, and batteries down...

Measuring the Success of Your Bus Advertising Campaign

Bus ads turn everyday travel into high-reach media. They move through busy corridors, sit in traffic where people can read them, and keep working after the office lights go out...

Social Media: Is It Increasing Rates of Anxiety and Depression?

In today’s connected world, social media has become an integral part of daily life. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook offer opportuni...

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Hydraulic Equipment

Hydraulic equipment plays a crucial role in industries ranging from construction and mining to agriculture and manufacturing. Whether it’s powerin...

Choosing the Right LiDAR System for Your Project

When planning a project that relies on accurate spatial data, selecting the right LiDAR system is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. ...

The History of Craft Beer: From Monasteries to Modern Breweries

Craft beer has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries. What we enjoy today in trendy taprooms and bustling breweries is the re...

How Natural Pearls Shaped Trade Routes and Global Economies

Throughout history, natural pearls—those rare, untamed treasures formed by nature itself—have exerted a powerful influence on trade networks, po...

How To Choose The Right Insulation For Your Space

Selecting the appropriate insulation for your home or building is a critical decision that affects comfort, energy efficiency, and present and future ...

7 Best Things to Do in Beaufort, Victoria

Beaufort is a charming small town in Victoria’s Goldfields, full of history, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming locals. Whether you’re passing th...

What to Expect During Divorce Mediation & Settlement

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, but mediation and settlement often provide a constructive path forward. Instead of goin...

Navigating Disability Services in Perth: Your Questions Answered

Understanding the landscape of disability support can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. If you’re looking for support a...

How Veneers and Dental Implants Work Together for Full Smile Restoration

Modern dentistry has strong instruments that can produce life-changing outcomes when it comes to repairing a smile that has been impacted by tooth los...

Gen Z’s Are Going off Grid – But Is It Sustainable?

Australia’s cost of living crisis is causing Gen Z to get creative with frugal living options. Earlier this year, young couple Koby and Amelie wan...

The Risks of DIY Air Conditioning Installation and How to Avoid Them

Air conditioning is essential in Australia, especially during the scorching summer months, when homes and workplaces can become unbearable without rel...

How to Find Reliable Air Conditioning Services Near You in Brisbane Northside

Introduction In Brisbane’s hot and humid climate, air conditioning has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Whether it's keeping your home coo...

Enhance Outdoor Living with Lifestyle Awnings

Creating the perfect balance between indoor comfort and outdoor living is something many homeowners aspire to achieve. In recent years, Lifestyle Aw...

Why Buckets with Lids Are Essential for Safe Storage & Transportation

The right bucket can streamline transport and make handling easier day to day. With options suited to food, chemicals and construction materials, th...

Comfort and Style with Ceiling Fans Perth

While air conditioning is common, it is not always the most cost-effective or sustainable solution, particularly during long hot summers. For homeow...

How Professional Air Conditioning Services Improve Comfort and Efficiency

Air conditioning has become a fundamental part of homes and businesses, providing relief from sweltering summers and keeping interiors warm in winte...

The Value of Professional Rubbish Removal Services

From everyday waste to bulky items like furniture and appliances, finding the right way to dispose of rubbish is not always straightforward. This is...